Boldin unhappy with Fitzgerald's emergence?
After a fast start to the season, Anquan Boldin has been very quiet since Arizona's Week 8 bye. While still showing some aftereffects from a hip injury that forced him to miss three games, Boldin has caught only 16 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown over the last four weeks.
He's taking a backseat to Larry Fitzgerald in the offense and there are indications Boldin isn't happy about it. Using our targets report, I decided to check if Boldin's displeasure had merit.
Over the last four weeks, Larry Fitzgerald has 48 targets to only 27 for Boldin. As you'd expect, Fitz has roughly double Boldin's yardage over that time, and has scored five times to only once for Boldin. Fitzgerald actually leads the NFL in targets for the season and should break the career highs he set in 2005 under Dennis Green, a season he was the WR2 in fantasy football as a second-year player.
Boldin has always been one of my favorite NFL players for his consistency and after-catch ability. Since Fitzgerald has arrived in Arizona, the two have roughly been equals in real life and fantasy. Fitzgerald has superior overall skills, and it looks like he's finally taking the lead position. Boldin can still be a solid WR2 in fantasy leagues if this keeps up, but he has to accept his role. It's something to watch closely over the final month.
Comments
You should start yourself, me and Hines. Cotchery is cold as ice and Javon is still hurting.
Posted by: Andre Johnson | November 28, 2007 12:26 PM
So, do I still start this week for an owner who needs to win (and get help) to make the playoffs? The team needs 3 WRs from this list: Boldin, Cotchery, H.Ward, AJohnson, Javon Walker - HELP!
Posted by: Anquan | November 28, 2007 12:53 PM
The reason is Kurt Warner. Look at last season, every game Warner played he locked in on Fitz with laser guidance. When McCown/Leinart came into the gamess they favored Boldin. Now with Warner as the only QB Fitz is getting all the targets.
Posted by: David | November 28, 2007 01:12 PM
What about me? I used to get all of the goal line carries, but now I like to run it down to the one and let Marcel get the TD.
Thanks Coach Whisenhunt.
Posted by: Edge James | November 28, 2007 02:41 PM
NFL Officials, Broncos, gaunj. If the Henry wins his appeal, it means the NFL is ok with its players toking. Is this the 1st step to legalizing marijuana in America? It really is NOT a performance enhancing drug. Quite the opposite.
Posted by: jonjonmackey | November 28, 2007 03:01 PM
The other factors not being considered here are opponent and health. Boldin drew Nate Clemens last week. He is 1 of the best shutdown corners in the game. 2nd, Boldin needs to stay healthy. He has missed significant playing time every year he has been in tne NFL. Try running out of bounds, not through people, and staying on the field, Anquan and your team may target you more often.
Posted by: Mike | November 28, 2007 03:23 PM